The One That Got Away

This sculptural beadwork piece by Creek/Euchee artist Les Berryhill depicts a vividly colored fish rendered in three dimensions using seed beads over buckskin. The fish is adorned with vibrant green, blue, red, and orange beadwork that creates a lifelike shimmer across its form. Two beaded fly lures hang from below, finished with feathers in bright hues.

The piece is mounted on a wooden base with a metal dowel for upright display, creating the illusion of the fish swimming midair. The use of traditional fly-fishing motifs and beadwork techniques makes this work both culturally symbolic and artistically innovative.

This award-winning piece was purchased directly from the artist and reflects Berryhill’s commitment to both Native storytelling and contemporary craft. His work often incorporates Plains and Southeastern design aesthetics, reimagined through personal interpretation and precise detail.